Polymer electrolyte membrane with functionalized nanoparticles

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a polymer electrolyte membrane for fuel cells, comprising a polymer matrix of at least one basic polymer and one or more doping agents, wherein particles containing ionogenic groups and having a mean particle diameter in the nanometer range are embedded in the polymer matrix and the particles containing ionogenic groups are distributed homogeneously in the polymer matrix in a concentration of less than 50% relative to the weight of the polymer matrix, as well as to the production and use of same, especially in high-temperature fuel cells.

This application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/555,021,filed Sep. 8, 2009, which is a continuation application of InternationalApplication No. PCT/EP2008/001803, filed on Mar. 6, 2008, now pending,which claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2007 011424.0, filed on Mar. 8, 2007, the entire contents of each of which areincorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to a polymer electrolyte membrane for fuelcells, comprising a polymer matrix of at least one basic polymer and oneor more doping agents, wherein particles containing ionogenic groups andhaving a mean particle diameter in the nanometer range are embedded inthe polymer matrix and the particles containing ionogenic groups aredistributed homogeneously in the polymer matrix in a concentration ofless than 50% relative to the weight of the polymer matrix, as well asto the production and use of same, especially in high-temperature fuelcells.

Polymer electrolyte membranes, for example of the Nafion type, which arebased on polymers containing perfluorinated sulfonic acid groups, areknown in the prior art. Because charge transport in these membranes iscontingent on the presence of water, however, the operating range ofcorresponding polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells is limited to amaximum of 100° C. In order to achieve a higher operating temperature,membranes provided with inorganic particles have been proposed for fuelcells (see DE 19919988 A1, DE 10205849 A1, WO 03/063266 A2 and WO03/081691 A2). Membranes using another kind of particles for fuel cellshave not been known heretofore.

DE 102004009396 A1 describes membranes for fuel cells with improvedelectrical, mechanical and thermal properties in fuel-cell operation.These membranes are composed of a polymer, particularly preferably aplastic, a natural substance, silicone or rubber, and of aproton-conducting substance. However, such membranes do not exhibit anyindustrially significant conductivities at room temperature and havepoor mechanical stability.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a polymermembrane for fuel cells that is designed to have improved conductivityat room temperature and high long-term stability in fuel-cell operation.Another object is a polymer membrane for fuel cells that is designed tooperate efficiently for a long time at a high operating temperature infuel cells and to have high proton conductivity, without losingsubstantial amounts of the components responsible for proton conductionduring operation in a fuel cell.

This technical object is achieved by provision of the embodimentscharacterized in the claims.

In particular, according to the present invention, there is provided apolymer electrolyte membrane for fuel cells comprising a polymer matrixof at least one basic polymer and one or more doping agents, whereinparticles containing ionogenic groups and having a mean particlediameter in the nanometer range are embedded in the polymer matrix andthe particles containing ionogenic groups are distributed homogeneouslyin the polymer matrix in a concentration of less than 50% relative tothe weight of the polymer matrix.

In the inventive polymer electrolyte membrane, the particles containingionogenic groups are distributed homogeneously in the polymer matrix ina concentration of less than 50% relative to the weight of the polymermatrix. Thereby it is ensured that the particles present in the matrixand containing ionogenic groups are substantially not in contact withone another and are surrounded by matrix-forming polymer. According to apreferred embodiment of the inventive polymer electrolyte membrane, theparticles containing ionogenic groups are distributed homogeneously inthe polymer matrix in a concentration of less than 40%, particularlypreferably 10 to 30%, relative to the weight of the polymer matrix.

According to the present invention, particles containing ionogenicgroups are to be understood in particular as oligomeric and/or polymericparticles, which may but do not necessarily have to exhibit a solidphase boundary with the surrounding polymer matrix. A substantialproperty of the particles containing ionogenic groups is especially thatthey are not lost from the polymer matrix or polymer electrolytemembrane in the manner, for example, of low molecular weightproton-conducting components. Suitable particles containing ionogenicgroups are in particular all organic particles composed mainly of one ormore organic polymer(s) and/or oligomer(s). In principle, the polymersor oligomers suitable for the organic particles containing ionogenicgroups are not subject to any substantial restriction. Nevertheless, itis preferred that the particles containing ionogenic groups are composedmainly of a rubber-like polymer or oligomer or of a non-rubber-likepolymer or oligomer, preferably a thermoplastic polymer or oligomer. Theparticles containing ionogenic groups may be of oligomeric and/orpolymeric nature.

As an example, the particles containing ionogenic groups may be composedmainly of base monomers having at least one polymerizable orcopolymerizable group, preferably at least two and particularlypreferably two to four polymerizable or copolymerizable groups,especially C═C double bonds.

Examples of suitable base monomers, which preferably contain one to fourpolymerizable or copolymerizable group(s), are butadiene, styrene,acrylonitrile, isoprene, esters of acrylic and methacrylic acid,tetrafluoroethylene, vinylidene fluoride, hexafluoropropene,2-chlorobutadiene, 2,3-dichlorobutadiene, double-bond-containingcarboxylic acids, such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid oritaconic acid, double-bond-containing sulfonic acids,double-bond-containing phosphonic acids, double-bond-containing hydroxycompounds, such as hydroxyethyl methacrylate, hydroxyethyl acrylate orhydroxybutyl methacrylate, amine-functionalized (meth)acrylates,diisopropenylbenzene, divinylbenzene, divinyl ether, divinyl sulfone,diallyl phthalate, triallyl cyanurate, triallyl isocyanurate,1,2-polybutadiene, N,N′-m-phenylene maleimide,2,4-toluoylenebis(maleimide) and/or triallyl trimellitate. Base monomerswith two to four polymerizable or copolymerizable groups are chosen inparticular when efficient cross-linking is desired. Furthermore, theparticles containing ionogenic groups may be composed mainly ofacrylates and/or methacrylates of preferably polyhydric, particularlypreferably dihydric to tetrahydric alcohols, such as ethylene glycol,1,2-propanediol, butanediol, hexanediol, polyethylene glycol with 2 to20, preferably 2 to 8 oxyethylene units, neopentyl glycol, bisphenol A,glycerol, trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol or sorbitol withunsaturated polyesters of aliphatic dials and polyols, and maleic acid,fumaric acid and/or itaconic acid or mixtures thereof.

Examples of suitable base monomers are in particular the followingcompounds:

Vinylcarbazole, N-vinyl-1-pyrrolidone, N-allylurea, N-allylthiourea,secondary amino-(meth)-acrylic acid esters, such as2-tert-butylaminoethyl methacrylate, 2-tert-butylaminoethylmethacrylamide, dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide, 2-dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate, vinylimidazole, such as 1-vinylimidazole, vinylpyridine,such as 2-vinylpyridine and 4-vinylpyridine, acrylamide,2-acrylamidoglycolic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid,acrylic acid [2-(((butylamino)-(carbonyl)oxyl)ethyl ester], acrylic acid2-(diethylamino)ethyl ester, acrylic acid 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl ester,acrylic acid 3-(dimethylamino)propyl ester, acrylic acid isopropylamide,acrylic acid phenylamide, acrylic acid 3-sulfopropyl ester potassiumsalt, methacrylic acid amide, methacrylic acid 2-aminoethyl esterhydrochloride, methacrylic acid 2-(tert-butylamino)ethyl ester,methacrylic acid 2-(dimethylamino)methyl ester, methacrylic acid3-(dimethylamino)propylamide, methacrylic acid isopropylamide,methacrylic acid 3-sulfopropyl ester potassium salt, 3-vinylaniline,4-vinylaniline, N-vinylcaprolactam, N-vinylformamide,1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, 5-vinyluracil.

According to a preferred embodiment, the particles containing ionogenicgroups have ionogenic groups on the surface or in the entire particles.Furthermore, it is also possible to use functional groups that can betransformed to ionogenic groups, preferably acid groups, after achemical reaction, such as a deprotection reaction, a hydrolysis, anaddition reaction or a substitution reaction.

The ionogenic groups can be introduced, especially at the surface of theparticles, by making reagents that are reactive in particular with C═Cdouble bonds react chemically with reactive groups present at thesurface of a cross-linked or pre-cross-linked polymer or oligomerparticle. Examples of reagents that can be reacted with reactive groupspresent at the surface of a cross-linked or pre-cross-linked particle,especially with C═C double bonds, are aldehydes, hydroxy compounds,carboxyl compounds, nitrile compounds, sulfur compounds, such ascompounds with mercapto, dithiocarbamate, polysulfide, xanthogenate,thiobenorthiazole and/or dithiophosphonic acid groups, unsaturatedcarboxylic acids or dicarboxylic acids, unsaturated sulfonic acids,unsaturated phosphonic acids, N,N′-m-phenylenediamine, acrylic acid,methacrylic acid, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, hydroxyethyl acrylate,hydroxybutyl methacrylate, acrylamide, methacrylamide,amine-functionalized (meth)acrylates, such as acrylonitrile, acrolein,N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-allylurea and N-allylthiourea, and derivativesand mixtures thereof.

Preferably the particles containing ionogenic groups are functionalizedat the surface or in the entire particles by ionogenic groups,particularly preferably by covalently bonded acid groups, such as acidgroups of monobasic or polybasic acids, acid groups of polybasic acidsbeing particularly preferred. The acid groups bonded covalently at thesurface or in the entire particles are preferably carboxylic acid,sulfonic acid, phosphonic acid and/or phosphoric acid groups with one ormore acid group(s). However, it is also possible to use other acidgroups with similar acidity or functional groups that can be transformedto acid groups. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, theionogenic groups are selected from one or more of the followingfunctional groups: —COOH, —SO₃H, —OSO₃H, —P(O)(OH)₂, —O—P(OH)₂ and—O—P(O)(OH)₂ and/or salts thereof and/or derivatives thereof, especiallypartial esters thereof. The salts represent the conjugate bases to theacid functional groups, or in other words —COO⁻, —SO₃ ⁻, —OSO₃ ⁻,—P(O)₂(OH)⁻ or —P(O)₃ ³⁻, —O—P(O)₂ ²⁻ and —OP(O)₂(OH)⁻ or —OP(O)₃ ²⁻ inthe form of their metal salts, preferably alkali metal or ammoniumsalts.

Consequently, the particles containing ionogenic groups may haveionogenic groups at the surface of the particles and form a core-shelltype of structure or may contain ionogenic groups in substantially theentire particle, in which case they are functionalized almosthomogeneously or throughout.

The ionogenic groups described in the foregoing may be introduced at thesurface or in the entire particle by different methods.

However, it is preferable to form particles containing ionogenic groupsby copolymerization of at least one of the foregoing base monomers inthe presence of at least one monomer having ionogenic groups, preferablyacid groups. By this method, which may also be referred to as aone-stage method, it is possible to obtain particles containing not onlyoligomeric but also polymeric ionogenic groups. Copolymerization in ahomogeneous phase, such as in solution or in bulk, is particularlysuitable for formation of particles containing oligomeric ionogenicgroups with the foregoing ionogenic groups in the entire particle. Inthe case of copolymerization by emulsion polymerization, for example, orin other words by using an emulsion of a monomer or monomer mixture inwater, for example, it is possible to produce in particular particlescontaining polymeric ionogenic groups, wherein the ionogenic groups arelocalized preferably on the microgel surface. However, it is alsopossible to assemble an oligomeric or polymeric particle by startingfrom a base monomer having suitable ionogenic groups, preferably addgroups or groups that can be transformed to acid groups. For example, itis conceivable, in order to create protein-conducting properties inparticular, firstly to obtain an oligomeric or polymeric particle bycross-linking a base monomer containing groups that can be transformedto acid groups, and only thereafter to form the desired ionogenic groupsat the surface of the particle by chemical modification, for example bya deprotection reaction, a hydrolysis, an addition reaction or asubstitution reaction.

Furthermore, it is preferable firstly to cross-link at least one of theforegoing base monomers in such a way that an oligomer, prepolymer orpolymer particle is formed, and thereafter to graft at least one monomerhaving ionogenic groups, preferably acid groups, onto the surface ofthis particle, in order to form a structure of the core-shell type.According to this procedure, which corresponds to a two-stage method,particles containing oligomeric or polymeric ionogenic groups can beproduced wherein the ionogenic groups are present substantially only onthe surface or in a zone near the surface. The procedure in ahomogeneous phase, for example in solution or in bulk, is suitable inparticular for the formation of particles containing oligomericionogenic groups, and the procedure of emulsion polymerization issuitable in particular for the production of particles containingpolymeric ionogenic groups. In this connection it is preferable thatgrafting of a monomer with ionogenic groups achieves a high degree ofcoverage with the ionogenic groups on the surface of the particle.Preferably the surface of the particle containing ionogenic groups isfunctionalized almost quantitatively with ionogenic groups, preferablyacid groups, which means that substantially every reactive group presenton the surface of a cross-linked or pre-cross-linked particle hasreacted with a monomer having ionogenic groups.

According to a preferred embodiment, the monomers having ionogenicgroups are monomers having acid groups, such as (meth)acrylic acid,maleic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, vinylphosphonic acid and/orstyrenesulfonic acid, as well as derivatives and mixtures thereof.According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the ionogenic groupsare selected from one or more of the following functional groups: —COON,—SO₃H, —OSO₃H, —P(O)(OH)₂, —O—P(OH)₂ and —O—P(O)(OH)₂ and/or saltsthereof and/or derivatives thereof, especially partial esters thereof.The salts represent the conjugate bases to the acid functional groups,or in other words —COO⁻, —SO₃ ⁻, —OSO₃ ⁻, —P(O)₂(OH)⁻ or —P(O)₃ ³⁻,—O—P(O)₂ ²⁻ and —OP(O)₂(OH)⁻ or —OP(O)₃ ²⁻ in the form of their metalsalts, preferably alkali metal or aluminum salts.

According to a preferred embodiment, the particles containing ionogenicgroups are organic polymers and/or oligomers produced from at leastpolystyrene and vinylsulfonic acid.

The formation of the particles containing ionogenic groups bypolymerization or copolymerization is achieved by standard methods, forexample thermal, photochemical or radical methods, if necessary withaddition of a radical starter of the peroxide type or azo type. Suitableradical starters of the peroxide type or azo type are known to thoseskilled in the pertinent art and can be selected as appropriate.

In principle, the particle size of the particles containing ionogenicgroups is not subjected to any substantial restriction, as long as itfalls within the nanometer range. The particles containing ionogenicgroups preferably have a mean particle diameter in a range of 5 nm to500 nm, a range of 20 nm to 400 nm being particularly preferred and arange of 30 nm to 300 nm being most particularly preferred.

When the particles containing ionogenic groups are of polymeric nature,they may exhibit a solid phase boundary with the surrounding polymermatrix. However, it is also possible that they do not exhibit any solidphase boundary with the surrounding polymer matrix. The particle size ofsuch polymers, which may also be referred to as microgels, liespreferably in a range of approximately 40 nm to approximately 200 nm.These particles containing ionogenic groups are preferably produced byemulsion polymerization.

Emulsion polymerization within the meaning of the present invention isto be understood in particular as a method known in itself, whereinwater is used as the reaction medium, in which the monomers used arepolymerized in the presence of emulsifiers and radical-formingsubstances to form aqueous polymer latices (see, among other references,Römpp Lexicon of Chemistry, Volume 2, 10^(th) Edition 1997; P. A.Lovell, M. S. El-Aasser, Emulsion Polymerization and Emulsion Polymers,John Wiley & Sons, ISBN: 0471967467; H. Gerrens, Fortschr. Hochpolym.Forsch. 1, 234 (1959)). In contrast to suspension or dispersionpolymerization, emulsion polymerization usually yields finer particles,thus permitting a smaller particle spacing in a matrix. The finerparticles, with their small mean diameter, are smaller than the criticaldefect size, and so they subject the matrix containing them to onlyslight mechanical impairments while having a corresponding degree ofdispersion.

The choice of monomers is used to adjust the glass transitiontemperature and the glass transition interval of the polymer particles.The glass transition temperature (Tg) and the glass transition interval(ΔTg) of the microgels or of the substantially spherical polymerparticles are determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC),preferably as described hereinafter. For this purpose, twocooling/heating cycles are performed for the determination of Tg andΔTg. Tg and ΔTg are determined in the second heating cycle. For thedeterminations, approximately 10-12 mg of the selected microgel isplaced in a DSC sample holder (standard aluminum pan) of Perkin-Elmer.The first DSC cycle is performed by cooling the sample first with liquidnitrogen to −100° C. and then heating to +150° C. at a rate of 20K/min.The second DSC cycle is begun by cooling the sample immediately, as soonas a sample temperature of +150° C. has been reached. Cooling isachieved by rapid cooling with liquid nitrogen. In the second heatingcycle, the sample is heated to +150° C. once again, as in the firstcycle. The heating rate in the second cycle is again 20K/min. Tg and ΔTgare determined graphically on the DSC curve of the second heatingoperation. For this purpose, three lines are fitted to the DSC curve.The first line is constructed along the curve part of the DSC curvebelow Tg, the second line is constructed along the curve branch withinflection point passing through Tg, and the third line is constructedalong the curve branch of the DSC curve above Tg. In this way threelines with two points of intersection are obtained. Each of the twopoints of intersection represents a characteristic temperature. Theglass transition temperature Tg is obtained as the mean value of thesetwo temperatures, and the glass transition interval ΔTg is obtained fromthe difference between the two temperatures.

Rubber-like polymer particles exhibit a glass temperature of generallylower than 23° C. Thermoplastic polymer particles generally have a glasstransition temperature higher than 23° C.

For the polymer particles used according to the invention, the glasstransition interval is preferably broader than 5° C., preferably broaderthan 10° C.

Rubber-like polymer particles are preferably particles based onconjugated dienes, such as butadiene, isoprene, 2-chlorobutadiene and2,3-dichlorobutadiene, as well as ethene, esters of acrylic andmethacrylic acid, vinyl acetate, styrene or derivatives thereof,acrylonitrile, acrylamides, methacrylamides, tetrafluoroethylene,vinylidene fluoride, hexafluoropropene, double-bond-containing hydroxycompounds, such as hydroxyethyl methacrylate, hydroxyethyl acrylate,hydroxypropyl acrylate, hydroxybutyl methacrylate, acrolein orcombinations thereof.

Preferred monomers or monomer combinations include: butadiene, isoprene,acrylonitrile, styrene, α-methylstyrene, chloroprene,2,3-dichlorobutadiene, butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate,hydroxyethyl methacrylate, tetrafluoroethylene, vinylidene fluoride andhexafluoropropene.

Here, “based on” means that preferably more than 60 wt % of the polymerparticles consists of the cited monomers, preferably more than 70 wt %and more preferably more than 90 wt %.

The polymer particles may be cross-linked or non-cross-linked.Cross-linked polymer particles are also referred to as microgels orsubstantially spherical polymer particles. In particular, the polymerparticles may be particles based on homopolymers or statisticalcopolymers. The terms homopolymers and statistical copolymers are knownto those skilled in the art and, for example, are explained in Vollmert,Polymer Chemistry, Springer Verlag 1973.

As the polymer base of the rubber-like, cross-linked or non-cross-linkedparticles containing ionogenic groups there can be used in particular:

-   BR: polybutadiene,-   ABR: butadiene/acrylic acid C₁₋₄-alkyl ester copolymers,-   IR: polyisoprene,-   SBR: statistical styrene-butadiene copolymers with styrene contents    of 1-60, preferably 5-50 weight percent,-   FKM: fluoro rubber,-   ACM: acrylate rubber,-   NBR: polybutadiene-acrylonitrile copolymers with acrylonitrile    contents of 5-60, preferably 10-60 weight percent,-   CR: polychloroprene,-   EAM: ethylene/acrylate copolymers,-   EVM: ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers.

Inventive, non-rubber-like, especially thermoplastic polymer particlesexpediently have a glass transition temperature Tg higher than 23° C.For the thermoplastic polymer particles, the glass transition intervalis preferably broader than 5° C. (where Tg or the glass transitioninterval is determined as described hereinabove). Non-rubber-like,especially thermoplastic polymer particles are preferably particlesbased on methacrylates, especially methyl methacrylate, styrene orstyrene derivatives, such as α-methylstyrene, para-methylstyrene,acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, vinylcarbazole or combinationsthereof. Here, “based on” means that preferably more than 60 wt % of thepolymer particles consists of the cited monomers, preferably more than70 wt % and more preferably more than 90 wt %.

More preferred thermoplastic polymer particles are particles based onmethacrylates, especially methyl methacrylate, styrene, α-methylstyreneand acrylonitrile.

The polymer particles preferably have an approximately sphericalgeometry.

The polymer particles used according to the invention preferably have amean particle diameter in the range of 5 nm to 500 nm, particularlypreferably of 20 nm to 400 nm, most preferably of 30 nm to 300 nm. Themean particle diameter is determined by means of ultracentrifugationwith the aqueous latex of the polymer particles from the emulsionpolymerization. The method yields a mean value for the particle diameterthat allows for the possible presence of agglomerates (H. G. Müller(1996) Colloid Polymer Science 267; 1113-1116 as well as W. Scholtan, H.Lange (1972) Kolloid-Z and Z Polymere 250: 782). Ultracentrifugation hasthe advantage that the entire particle-size distribution ischaracterized and different mean values such as number-average mean andweight-average mean can be calculated from the distribution curve.

The mean diameter data used according to the invention relate to theweight-average mean.

Hereinafter diameter parameters such as d₁₀, d₅₀ and d₈₀ will be used.These parameters mean that 10, 50 and 80 wt % respectively of theparticles have a diameter smaller than the corresponding numerical valuein “nm”.

The determination of diameter by means of dynamic light scattering leadsin a first approximation to comparable mean particle diameters. It isalso performed on the latex. Lasers operating at 633 nm (red) and 532 nm(green) are commonly used. In contrast to ultracentrifugation, dynamiclight scattering yields not the entire particle-size distribution butinstead a mean value in which large particles are weighteddisproportionately.

The polymer particles used according to the invention preferably have aweight-average mean particle diameter in the range of 5 nm to 500 nm,preferably of 20 nm to 400 nm, particularly preferably of 30 nm to 300nm.

The inventive particles containing ionogenic groups can be produced byemulsion polymerization, in which case the particle size is adjustedwithin a wide diameter range by variation of the starting materials,such as emulsifier concentration, initiator concentration, liquor ratioof organic to aqueous phase, ratio of hydrophilic to hydrophobicmonomers, amount of cross-linking monomers, polymerization temperature,etc.

After the polymerization, the latices can be treated by vacuumdistillation or by treatment with superheated steam, in order toseparate volatile components, especially unreacted monomers.

The polymer particles produced in this way can be further processed, forexample by evaporation, by electrolyte coagulation, by co-coagulationwith a further latex polymer, by freeze-coagulation (see U.S. Pat. No.2,187,146) or by spray drying.

In a preferred embodiment, the particles containing ionogenic groups andproduced by emulsion polymerization are at least partly cross-linked.

Cross-linking of the particles containing ionogenic groups and producedby emulsion polymerization is achieved preferably by the addition ofpolyfunctional monomers during polymerization, such as by the additionof compounds having at least two, preferably 2 to 4 copolymerizable C═Cdouble bonds, such as diisopropenylbenzene, divinylbenzene, divinylether, divinylsulfone, diallyl phthalate, triallyl cyanurate, triallylisocyanurate, 1,2-polybutadiene, N,N′-m-phenylene maleimide,2,4-tolulenebis(maleimide), triallyl trimellitate, acrylates andmethacrylates of polyhydric, preferably dihydric to tetrahydric C₂₋₁₀alcohols, such as ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, butanediol,hexanediol, polyethylene glycol having 2 to 20, preferably 2 to 8oxyethylene units, neopentyl glycol, bisphenol A, glycerol,trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol as well as unsaturatedpolyesters from aliphatic diols and polyols and maleic acid, fumaricacid and/or itaconic acid.

Cross-linking of the polymer particles containing ionogenic groups maybe achieved directly during emulsion polymerization, such as bycopolymerization with cross-linking multifunctional compounds or bysubsequent cross-linking as described hereinafter. Direct cross-linkingduring emulsion polymerization is preferred. Preferred multifunctionalcomonomers are compounds having at least two, preferably 2 to 4copolymerizable C═C double bonds, such as diisopropenylbenzene,divinylbenzene, divinyl ether, divinylsulfone, diallyl phthalate,triallyl cyanurate, triallyl isocyanurate, 1,2-polybutadiene,N,N′-m-phenylene maleimide, 2,4-tolulenebis(maleimide) and/or triallyltrimellitate. Other compounds that come into consideration are theacrylates and methacrylates of polyhydric, preferably dihydric totetrahydric C₂₋₁₀ alcohols, such as ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol,butanediol, hexanediol, polyethylene glycol having 2 to 20, preferably 2to 8 oxyethylene units, neopentyl glycol, bisphenol A, glycerol,trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol with unsaturatedpolyesters of aliphatic diols and polyols as well as maleic acid,fumaric acid and/or itaconic acid.

Cross-linking during emulsion polymerization may also take place byprolonging the polymerization up to high conversions or, in themonomer-feed method, by polymerization with high internal conversions.Another possibility also consists in performing the emulsionpolymerization in the absence of regulators.

For cross-linking of the non-cross-linked or weakly cross-linked polymerparticles following emulsion polymerization, it is best to use thelatices that are obtained during emulsion polymerization.

Examples of suitable cross-linking chemicals are organic peroxides, suchas dicumyl peroxide, t-butyl cumyl peroxide,bis(t-butylperoxyisopropyl)benzene, di-t-butyl peroxide,2,5-dimethylhexane-2,5-dihydroperoxide,2,5-dimethylhexyne-3,2,5-dihydroperoxide, dibenzoyl peroxide,bis-(2,4-dichlorobenzoyl) peroxide, t-butyl perbenzoate as well asorganic azo compounds, such as azobisisobutyronitrile andazobiscyclohexanenitrile as well as dimercapto and polymercaptocompounds, such as dimercaptoethane, 1,6-dimercaptohexane,1,3,5-trimercaptotriazine and mercapto-terminated polysulfide rubbers,such as mercapto-terminated reaction products of bis-chloroethyl formalwith sodium polysulfide.

The optimal temperature for performing post-cross-linking naturallydepends on the reactivity of the cross-linking agent, and it may rangefrom temperatures such as room temperature to approximately 180° C., ifnecessary at elevated pressure (in this regard see Houben-Weyl, Methodsof Organic Chemistry, 4^(th) Edition, Volume 14/2, page 848).Particularly preferred cross-linking agents are peroxides.

Cross-linking of rubbers containing C═C double bonds to microgels mayalso be achieved in dispersion or emulsion with simultaneous, partial orif necessary complete hydrogenation of the C═C double bond, as describedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,302,696 or U.S. Pat. No. 5,442,009 or if necessaryother hydrogenating agents, such as organometal hydride complexes.

If necessary, particle growth by agglomeration may be performed before,during or after post-cross-linking.

The polymer particles containing cross-linked ionogenic groups and usedaccording to the invention expediently have toluene-insoluble fractions(gel content) at 23° C. of at least approximately 70 wt %, morepreferably at least approximately 80 wt %, even more preferably at leastapproximately 90 wt %. This toluene-insoluble fraction is determined intoluene at 23°. For this purpose, 250 mg of the polymer particles isswollen for 24 hours with shaking in 25 mL toluene at 23° C. Aftercentrifugation at 20000 rpm, the insoluble fraction is separated anddried. The gel content is obtained from the quotient of the driedresidue and the initial weight and is reported in weight percent.

The polymer particles containing cross-linked ionogenic groups and usedaccording to the invention further expediently have a swelling index intoluene at 23° C. of less than approximately 80, more preferably of lessthan 60, even more preferably of less than 40. Thus the swelling indices(Qi) of the polymer particles may lie particularly preferably between1-15 and 1-10. The swelling index is calculated from the weight of thesolvent-containing polymer particles swollen in toluene for 24 hours at23° C. (after centrifugation at 20000 rpm) and the weight of the driedpolymer particles:

Qi=wet weight of the polymer particles/dry weight of the polymerparticles.

To determine the swelling index, 250 mg of the polymer particles isallowed to swell for 24 hours with shaking in 25 mL toluene. The gel iscentrifuged off and weighed, then dried to constant weight at 70° C. andweighed once again.

The polymer particles containing ionogenic groups and used according tothe invention contain ionogenic groups that are ionic or are capable offorming ionic groups. In this way they are capable of beingproton-donating and/or proton-accepting.

According to a preferred embodiment, the ionogenic groups are acidgroups. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the ionogenicgroups are selected from one or more of the following functional groups:—COON, —SO₃H, —OSO₃H, —P(O)(OH)₂, —O—P(OH)₂ and —O—P(O)(OH)₂ and/orsalts thereof and/or derivatives thereof, especially partial estersthereof. The salts represent the conjugate bases to the acid functionalgroups, or in other words —COO⁻, —SO₃ ⁻, —OSO₃ ⁻, —P(O)₂(OH)⁻ or —P(O)₃³⁻, —O—P(O)₂ ²⁻ and —OP(O)₂(OH)⁻ or —OP(O)₃ ²⁻ in the form of theirmetal salts, preferably alkali metal or ammonium salts.

According to the invention, particularly preferred ionogenic groupswithin the meaning of the invention are selected from —SO₃H, —PO(OH)₂,—O—P(O)(OH)₂ and/or salts thereof and/or derivatives thereof, especiallypartial esters thereof.

Depending on the production technique, the ionogenic groups may belocated on the surface and/or not on the surface.

The ionogenic groups may be introduced into the polymer particles byincorporation of functionalized monomers during polymerization and/or bymodification after polymerization.

As examples, functionalized monomers are selected from the groupconsisting of: acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, vinylbenzoic acid,itaconic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, crotonic acid, vinylsulfonicacid, styrenesulfonic acid, monomers containing phosphonic acid orphosphoric acid groups and having polymerizable C═C double bonds, suchas vinylphosphonic acid, 2-phosphonomethylacrylic acid and2-phosphonomethylacrylic acid amide, phosphonic acid or phosphoric acidesters of hydroxyfunctional monomers having polymerizable C═C doublebonds or salts or derivatives thereof.

Phosphoric acid esters of hydroxyfunctional monomers havingpolymerizable C═C double bonds preferably have the following formulas(I) or (II) of the following methacrylate compounds:

in which R is a divalent organic group, especially such as C₁₋₁₀alkylene. Preferably R is a C₂₋₄ alkylene group (or in other words aC₂₋₄ alkandiyl group), such as an ethylene or an n-propylene group.Salts of these compounds are also usable, especially such as alkalimetal salts, preferably the sodium salt or ammonium salts. Thecorresponding acrylates are also usable. Furthermore, partial esterswith other saturated or unsaturated carboxylic acids of these compoundsmay be used. According to the invention, the term partial ester includesboth the case that some of the acid hydroxyl groups of the ionogenicgroup are partly esterified and the case in which some of the hydroxylgroups in the polymer particles are esterified while others are notesterified.

The proportion of the functional monomers incorporated by polymerizationand containing ionogenic groups is preferably 0.1 to 100 wt %, morepreferably 0.2 to 99.5 wt % relative to the total amount of monomers.This means that homopolymers of these monomers containing ionogenicgroups may also be used. For example, at least 10 wt %, at least 20 wt %or at least 30 wt % of these monomers may be present.

As an example, the ionogenic groups —OSO₃H and —OP(O)(OH)₂ may also beintroduced into the polymer particles by reaction of hydroxyl-modifiedpolymer particles (such as obtained by incorporation of hydroxyalkyl(meth)acrylates by polymerization) or by addition of sulfuric orphosphoric acid to epoxy-containing (for example, glycidylmethacrylate-containing) polymer particles with sulfuric acid orphosphoric acid, by addition of sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid todouble-bond-containing polymer particles, by decomposition ofpersulfates or perphosphates in the presence of double-bond-containingpolymer particles, as well as by transesterification afterpolymerization. Furthermore, the —SO₃H and —P(O)(OH)₂ groups may also beintroduced by sulfonation or phosphonation of aromatic vinyl polymers.

Furthermore, ionogenic groups may also be produced by reaction ofhydroxyl-modified polymer particles with correspondingly functionalizedepoxides.

Besides the cited ionogenic groups, further functional groups forcontrol of the properties may be introduced in particular into thesurface of the polymer particles, such as by chemical reaction of thealready cross-linked polymer particles with chemicals having reactivitytoward C═C double bonds. These reactive chemicals are in particularcompounds with which polar groups such as aldehyde, hydroxyl, carboxyl,nitrile, etc., as well as sulfur-containing groups, such as mercapto,dithiocarbamate, polysulfide, xanthogenate and/or dithiophosphoric acidgroups and/or unsaturated dicarboxylic acid groups may be chemicallybonded to the polymer particles. The goal of modification is inparticular to improve the compatibility with a matrix polymer or amatrix-forming polymer material, into which the proton-conductingpolymer particles can be incorporated, for example in order to achievegood compatibility during production as well as good coupling.

Particularly preferred methods of modification are grafting of thepolymer particles with functional monomers as well as reaction with lowmolecular weight agents. In this way the ionogenic, proton-donating orproton-accepting monomers may also be incorporated into the polymerparticles if necessary.

The starting point for grafting of the polymer particles with functionalmonomers is expediently the aqueous microgel dispersion, which isreacted with polar monomers such as vinylsulfonic acid, styrenesulfonicacid, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, itaconic acid, hydroxyethyl(meth)acrylate (in the present Application, the term “(meth)acrylate”includes both methacrylate and acrylate), hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate,hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate, acrylonitrile, acrylamide, methacrylamide,acrolein, monomers containing phosphonic acid or phosphoric acid groupsand having polymerizable C═C double bonds, such as vinylphosphonic acid,2-phosphonomethylacrylic acid and 2-phosphonomethylacrylic acid amide,phosphonic acid or phosphoric acid esters of hydroxyfunctional monomershaving polymerizable C═C double bonds or salts or derivatives thereof,especially such as partial esters thereof, under the conditions ofradical emulsion polymerization. In this way polymer particles havingcore-shell morphology are obtained. It is desirable that the monomerused in the modification step be grafted as quantitatively as possibleonto the unmodified polymer particles or microgel. Expediently, thefunctional monomers are added before complete cross-linking of themicrogels. Modification of double-bond-containing polymer particles, forexample by ozonolysis, is also an option.

In a preferred embodiment, the polymer particles, especially themicrogels, are modified by hydroxyl groups, especially also at thesurface thereof. The hydroxyl group content of the polymer particles,especially of the microgels, is determined according to DIN 53240, asthe hydroxyl number in units of mg KOH/g polymer, by reaction withacetic anhydride and titration of the liberated acetic acid with KOH.The hydroxyl number of the polymer particles, especially of themicrogels, preferably lies between 0.1 and 100, more preferably between0.5 and 50 mg KOH/g polymer.

The amount of modification agent used is contingent on its effectivenessand on the requirements applicable to the individual case, and it liesin the range of 0.05 to 30 weight percent relative to the total amountof polymer particles and especially microgel used. A value of 0.5 to 10weight percent relative to the total amount of polymer particles,especially microgel, is particularly preferred.

The modification reactions may be performed at temperatures of 0 to 180°C., preferably 20 to 95° C., if necessary under a pressure of 1 to 30bar. The modifications may be carried out on rubber microgels in bulk orin the form of a dispersion thereof, in which case inert organicsolvents or even water may be used as the reaction medium. Particularlypreferably, the modification is performed in an aqueous dispersion ofthe cross-linked rubber.

Within the polymer matrixes, such as in the form of membranes,especially polymer electrolyte membranes for fuel cells, the particlescontaining ionogenic groups and used according to the invention may bepresent in a proportion of matrix polymer to particles containingionogenic groups equal to 1:99 to 99:1, preferably 10:90 to 90:10,particularly preferably 20:80 to 80:20. The amount of the particlescontaining ionogenic groups and used according to the invention dependson the desired properties of the membrane, such as the protonconductivity of the membranes.

According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to apolymer electrolyte membrane for fuel cells, comprising a polymermatrix, in which particles containing ionogenic groups are embedded,which particles have a mean particle diameter in the range of 5 nm to500 nm (determined by means of ultracentrifugation as explained in theforegoing), which are produced by emulsion polymerization and whichcontain ionogenic groups selected from the group consisting of: —SO₃H,—OSO₃H, —P(O)(OH)₂, —O—P(OH)₂ and —O—P(O)(OH)₂ and/or salts thereofand/or derivatives thereof. The preferred groups are —SO₃H, —OSO₃H,—P(O)(OH)₂, —O—P(O)(OH)₂ and/or salts thereof and/or derivativesthereof, especially esters, such as partial esters.

The proportion of the said ionogenic groups in the polymer particlescontaining ionogenic groups preferably lies in the range of 0.1 to 95 wt%, more preferably 1 to 90 wt %, relative to the total amount of polymerparticles.

Suitable salts of the polymer particles include metal or ammonium salts,especially alkali metal salts, alkaline earth salts, etc.

Suitable derivatives of the polymer particles include in particularesters and partial esters of the cited ionogenic groups.

When the particles containing ionogenic groups are of oligomeric nature,they preferably do not have a solid phase boundary with the surroundingmatrix. The particle size of such oligomers, which may also be referredto as star oligomers, is preferably in a range of approximately 2 nm toapproximately 10 nm. These oligomeric particles containing ionogenicgroups are preferably produced by polymerization or copolymerization insolution or in bulk.

Regardless of whether the particles containing ionogenic groups are ofpolymeric or oligomeric nature, the ionogenic groups, especially acidgroups, may be present either at the surface, or in other words in theform of a core-shell structure, or in the entire particles.

The particles containing ionogenic groups preferably have asubstantially spherical shape (microgel) or a substantially star-likeshape, but do not necessarily have to have a solid phase boundary withthe surrounding polymer matrix. Thus it is also possible for theparticles containing ionogenic groups to have a shape different from asubstantially spherical shape or a substantially star-like shape.According to a preferred embodiment, the particles containing ionogenicgroups are solid particles, which preferably have a particle size in thenanometer range.

The type of production of the particles containing ionogenic groups isnot subject to any particular restriction. For example, the particlescontaining ionogenic groups may be produced by polymerization orcopolymerization in solution or in bulk, by emulsion polymerization orby suspension polymerization. However, the particles containingionogenic groups are preferably produced by emulsion polymerization,especially when polymer particles containing ionogenic groups aredesired.

The polymer matrix comprises at least one basic polymer. If necessary,standard processing aids may be embedded in the polymer matrix.Furthermore, at least one non-basic polymer may also be included in thepolymer matrix, for example to influence the thermal or mechanicalproperties if so desired.

Suitable doping agents for the inventive polymer electrolyte membranecontaining the polymer matrix are known to those skilled in the art.Examples are phosphoric acid, phosphoric acid derivatives, phosphonicacid, phosphonic acid derivatives, sulfuric acid, sulfuric acidderivatives, sulfonic acid or sulfonic acid derivatives. Furtherpreferred doping agents are the reaction product of an at least dibasic,inorganic acid with an organic compound, wherein the reaction productcontains an unreacted acid group. The degree of doping is preferablybetween 60 and 95%, particularly preferably between 65 and 90%, relativeto the weight of the undoped polymer matrix.

Standard additives used in membranes for fuel cells may be used asprocessing aids. A person skilled in the pertinent art will be capableof selecting suitable processing aids.

The basic polymers are preferably selected from the group comprisingpolybenzimidazole, polypyridine, polypyrimidine, polyimidazoles,polybenzthiazoles, polybenzoxazoles, polyoxadiazoles, polyquinoxalines,polythiadiazoles, poly(tetrazapyrenes) or a combination of two or morethereof, polybenzimidazole being particularly preferred. Furthermore,however, other polymers may also be incorporated in the polymer matrixin order to modify the mechanical or thermal properties.

The inventive polymer electrolyte membrane provides excellent protonconductivity in the presence of water, but even in the anhydrouscondition it has industrially relevant conductivity.

According to a preferred embodiment, the inventive polymer electrolytemembrane has a conductivity of at least 2.5 S/m at a temperature of 25°C., although a conductivity of at least 3.1 S/m at a temperature of 25°C. is particularly preferred.

Furthermore, there is provided a method for production of a polymerelectrolyte membrane for fuel cells, especially according to the presentinvention and the preferred embodiments described here, which methodcomprises the following steps:

-   (a) producing a membrane casting solution, at least comprising a    solvent, a matrix-forming basic polymer and particles containing    ionogenic groups, as described in the foregoing,-   (b) casting the membrane casting solution in the form of a membrane,    and-   (c) removing the solvent.

According to the invention, the particles containing ionogenic groupsare dispersed in step a) in a solution of the matrix-forming basicpolymer. Optimal dispersion or homogenization of the particlescontaining ionogenic groups in a solution of the basic polymer ispossible particularly preferably in accordance with WO 2005033186 A1 andWO 2005030843 A1, and it ensures that, according to the invention, theparticles containing ionogenic groups do not touch one another in thepolymer matrix after step c).

In a further step d), the membrane may be doped with at least one dopingagent after step c).

The solvent is not subject to any substantial restriction, as long asthe matrix-forming basic polymer and/or the particles containingionogenic groups can be dissolved or suitably dispersed so as to formthe desired membrane. However, the solvent is preferably selected fromthe group comprising N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), dimethylformamide (DMF),dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and mixturesthereof.

Removal of the solvent is achieved by standard means, although removalby heating the cast membrane casting solution and/or by applying avacuum is preferred.

Furthermore, there is provided the use, in fuel cells, preferably inhigh-temperature fuel cells in a temperature range up to approximately200° C., of the polymer electrolyte membrane defined in the foregoing orof the polymer electrolyte membrane obtainable according to theforegoing method.

The inventive polymer electrolyte membrane may provide excellent protonconductivity for a long time in fuel cells, such as high-temperaturefuel cells in a temperature range up to approximately 200° C.

The following examples are presented in order to explain the presentinvention in more detail, without limiting the scope of protection ofthe subject matter claimed in the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates DMA measurements related to Example 8 describedbelow.

FIG. 2 illustrates the development of voltage versus time at the 0.5A/cm2 operating point and summarizes the performance parameters achievedwith dry gases as described in Example 11 below.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Examples of Production of Microgels or ofSubstantially Spherical Polymer Particles Containing Ionogenic Groups

The production of microgels that may be used as particles containingionogenic groups for production of the inventive polymer electrolytemembranes for fuel cells will be described hereinafter.

The microgels are produced by emulsion polymerization. The monomercombinations as well as the main formulation components used forproduction of the microgels are summarized in Tables 1) and 2). Allformulation components are relative to 100 parts by weight of themonomer mixture.

The experiments in which Mersolat® H95 of Lanxess Deutschland GmbH wasused as emulsifier are summarized in Table 1). Mersolat® H95 is thesodium salt of a mixture of long-chain (C16-C18) alkylsulfonates.

The experiments in which a mixture of disproportionated resinic acid(Dresinate® 731/70% of Abieta) and fatty acid (Edenor® HTiCT N of OleoChemicals/12% in water) was used as emulsifier are summarized in Table2). In these experiments, 0.6 parts by weight of potassium hydroxide wasalso added (Table 2)). The mixture of resinic and fatty acid wasformally neutralized in a ratio of 150% by the amount of potassiumhydroxide.

The following monomers were used for production of the microgels listedin Tables 1) and 2):

Styrene (98%) of KMF Labor Chemie Handels GmbH

Butadiene (99%, destabilized) of Lanxess Deutschland GmbH

Trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (90%) of Aldrich; Product number:24684-0 (abbreviation: TMPTMA)

Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (96%) of Acros; Product number: 156330010(abbreviation: HEMA)

Na vinylsulfonate; 30% aqueous solution of Fluka; Product number: 95061(abbreviation: NaVS)

Na styrenesulfonate (90%) of Fluka; Product number: 94904 (abbreviation:NaSS)

Vinylphosphonic acid (95%) of Fluka; Product number: 95014(abbreviation: H₂VP)

2-(Methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphate of Aldrich; Product number: 463337(abbreviation: H₂MOOEP)

TABLE 1 Microgel formulations on the basis of Mersolat ® H95 emulsifierMersolat ® Water Styrene Butadiene TMPTMA NaVS Na₂VP¹⁾ NaSS H₂MOOEP²⁾H95³⁾ amount⁴⁾ Microgel [parts by [parts by [parts by [parts by [partsby [parts by [parts by [parts by [parts by designation weight] weight]weight] weight] weight] weight] weight] weight] weight] OBR 1290-2 88.5— 1.5 10 — — — 0.7 400 OBR 1290-4 88.5 — 1.5 10 — — — 4.0 400 OBR 1293-184 — 6 10 — — — 2.5 400 OBR 1291-1 84 — 6 10 — — — 1.5 400 OBR 1297-188.5 — 1.5 — 10 — — 2.5 400 OBR 1294-1 93.5 — 1.5 — — 5 — 2.5 400 OBR1361-B — 84 6 10 — — — 2.5 400 OBR 1438-1 86.9 — 5 — — — 8.1 2.5 400¹⁾Na₂VP was obtained from H₂VP by neutralization in situ with 2equivalents of NaOH. The weight value is relative to the sodium salt ofvinylphosphonic acid (Na₂VP) ²⁾The weight value of2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphate is relative to the free acid(H₂MOOEP); before initiation of the polymerization, H₂MOOEP wasneutralized by addition of 2 equivalents of KOH, so that thecorresponding dipotassium salt (K₂MOOEP) was present in the reactionmixture ³⁾The amount value is relative to the total amount of Mersolat ®H95 in the reaction mixture ⁴⁾The amount value is relative to the totalamount of water in the reaction mixture

TABLE 2 Microgel formulations on the basis of a resinic acid/fatty acidemulsifier system Dresinate ® Edenor Total water Styrene ButadieneTMPTMA HEMA 731* HTiCT N* KOH amount Microgel [parts by [parts by [partsby [parts by [parts by [parts by [parts by [parts by designation weight]weight] weight] weight] weight] weight] weight] weight] OBR 1435-4 91 —1.5 7.5 4.0 1.0 0.6 230 OBR 1327 B 67 22.5 3 7.5 4.0 1.0 0.6 400 OBR1330 I 81.5 11.5 4 3.0 4.0 1.0 0.6 400 *Amount value for 100% materialDresinate ®: disproportionated resinic acid (Dresinate ® 731/70% ofAbieta) Edenor ® HTiCT N: disproportionated fatty acid of Oleo Chemicals(12% in water)

The products OBR 1290-2, OBR 1290-4, OBR 1293-1, OBR 1291-1, OBR 1297-1,OBR 1294-1 and OBR 1438-1 (Table 1)) were produced in a 6-liter glassreactor with stirring system, whereas the products OBR 1361-B, OBR1435-4, OBR 1327 B and OBR 1330 I (Table 1) and Table 2)) were producedin a 20-liter steel autoclave with stirring system.

For each emulsion polymerization reaction in the glass reactor, 3.93 kgwater was introduced and purged with a stream of nitrogen. Part of thetotal Mersolat amount was added to the water pool and dissolved. Thefollowing amounts were added to the water and dissolved; for theproduction of OBR 1290-2, 5.3 g Mersolat® H95; for OBR 1291-1, 13.7 gMersolat® H95; for OBR 1293-1, OBR 1297-1, OBR 1294-1, OBR 1361-B andOBR 1438-1, 24.2 g Mersolat® H95; and for OBR 1290-4, 40.0 g Mersolat®H95. Then 1000 g of the monomer mixtures listed in Table 1) wereintroduced together with 0.08 g 4-methoxyphenol (Arcos Organics, ArticleNo. 126001000, 99%) into the reaction vessel. After the reaction mixturehad been heated to 30-40° C., a freshly produced 4% aqueous premixsolution was added. This premix solution consisted of:

0.169 g ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Fluka, Article number 03620),0.135 g iron(II) sulfate.7H₂O (Riedel de Haen, Article number 12354),(calculated without water of crystallization)0.347 g Rongalit C, Na formaldehyde sulfoxylate 2-hydrate(Merck-Schuchardt, Article number 8.06455) (calculated without water ofcrystallization) as well as 0.524 g trisodium phosphate.12H₂O (Acros,Article number 206520010) (calculated without water of crystallization).

For activation of the polymerization, an activator solution of 0.56 gp-menthanehydroperoxide (Trigonox® NT 50 of Akzo-Degussa) in 50 g waterand the remaining amount of Mersolat® H95 (2.1 g) was prepared.

Half of the aqueous activator solution was introduced into the reactionvessel 5 minutes after addition of the premix solution. Hereby thepolymerization reaction was started. After a reaction time of 2.5 hours,the reaction temperature was raised to 40-50° C. After one further hour,the second half of the aqueous activator solution was added. Once apolymerization conversion of >90% had been reached (usually: 95%-100%),the polymerization was stopped by addition of an aqueous solution of2.35 g diethylhydroxylamine (DEHA, Aldrich, Article number 03620).

OBR 1361-B, OBR 1327 B and OBR 1330 I were produced by an analogousprocedure in a 20-liter autoclave with stirring system. In each case,3.5 kg of the monomer mixture and a total water amount of 14 kg wereused. Thereafter the experiments were performed in a manner analogous tothat of the experiments carried out in the glass reactor.

After the polymerization reactions were stopped, unreacted monomers andvolatile components were removed from the latex by stripping with steam.

The latices of Tables 1) and 2) were filtered then mixed withstabilizer, coagulated and dried as in Example 2 of U.S. Pat. No.6,399,706.

The gels were characterized both in the latex condition by means ofultracentrifugation (UZ) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) relative totheir particle diameter, and in the solid condition relative tosolubility in toluene (gel content, swelling index/QI) and by means ofDSC (glass transition temperature/Tg and width of the Tg interval).

Characteristic data of the microgels described in Tables 1) and 2) arecompiled in Table 3).

TABLE 3 Characteristic data of the microgels (from Tables 1) and 2))Diameter parameters Gel Microgel d₁₀ d₅₀ d₈₀ d_(DLS) content Swelling TgΔTg designation [nm] [nm] [nm] [nm] [wt %] index [° C.] [° C.] OBR1290-2 154.9  195.8  240.2  — 99.9 5.9 112 6.4 OBR 1290-4 — — —  35 82.59.8 111 7.6 OBR 1293-1 27.5 39.2 47.2 — 99.9 8.2 124.5 12.2 OBR 1291-1 —— — 155 99.1 4.0 120 14.2 OBR 1297-1 — — — 171 100.0 6.5 112 6.0 OBR1294-1 63.1 78.7 88.1 — 99.6 9.2 112 8.0 OBR 1361-B — — — 137 95.6 5.1−78 10.4 OBR 1435-4 — — —   48.3 93.1 9.4 103.5 9.8 OBR 1327 B 30.7 40.346.1 — 94.2 6.4 36 21.8 OBR 1330 I 35.1 47.6 53.3 — 91.2 11.3 62 20 OBR1438-1 — — 250 99.9 5.4 116 15.6 Meaning of symbols in Table 3): d₁₀,d₅₀ and d₈₀: The particle diameter was determined on the stopped andsteam-stripped latex by means of ultracentrifugation (W. Scholtan, H.Lange, “Determination of the Particle Size Distribution of Latices withthe Ultracentrifuge”, Kolloid-Zeitschrift and Zeitschrift für Polymere(1972) Volume 250, No. 8). The latices have a characteristic particlesize distribution, which is described by the diameter parameters d₁₀,d₅₀ and d₈₀. These diameter parameters mean that respectively 10 wt %(d₁₀), 50 wt % (d₅₀) and 80 wt % (d₈₀) of the particles have a diametersmaller than the indicated numerical value. The particle size of themicrogels in the latex and in the solid products isolated from the latexand as used in the inventive compositions are practically identical.d_(dls): particle diameter determined on the latex by means of dynamiclight scattering (DLS). A Zetasizer ® Nano Instrument (model number:Nano ZS) of Malvern Instruments Ltd., Worcestershire, England was usedfor the determination. A mean particle diameter is obtained by means ofdynamic light scattering. Tg: glass transition temperature ΔTg: width ofthe Tg interval

The DSC-2 instrument of Perkin-Elmer was used to determine Tg and ΔTg.In the first measurement cycle, the sample is quickly cooled to −130° C.with liquid nitrogen then heated to 150° C. at a heating rate of 20K/min. In the second measurement cycle, it is again cooled to −130° C.then heated at 20 K/min. Tg and ΔTg are determined in the secondmeasurement cycle.

The microgels are characterized by the insoluble fraction and by thedegree of swelling of the insoluble fraction. The insoluble fraction andthe degree of swelling are determined in toluene. For this purpose, 250mg of the microgel particles is swollen for 24 hours with shaking in 25mL toluene at 23° C. After centrifugation at 20,000 rpm, the insolublefraction is separated and dried. The gel content is obtained from thequotient of the weight of the residue dried to constant weight at 70° C.and the initial weight and is reported in weight percent.

QI: Swelling index is defined as the wet weight of the microgel dividedby the dry weight of the microgel.

The swelling index is calculated from the weight of thesolvent-containing microgel (MG_(wet)) swollen in toluene at 23° C. for24 hours (after centrifugation at 20,000 rpm) and the weight of the drymicrogel (MG_(dry)).

QI=MG_(wet)/MG_(dry)

The gel content is calculated as the percentage of the toluene-insolublemicrogel (MG_(dry)) relative to the initial weight of microgel (250 mg):

${{Gel}\mspace{14mu} {{content}\mspace{14mu}\lbrack\%\rbrack}} = {100 \times \frac{{MG}_{dry}}{250}}$

Example 2 Microgel Dispersion for Production of Polymer Membranes forFuel Cells

Various acid-group-containing microgels are dispersed in a solution of16 wt % polybenzimidazole (PBI, product of Sartorius AG) and 84 wt %dimethylacetamide (DMAc, 99%, Aldrich) (Table 4), PBI solution (16%)).

The composition of the dispersion is given in Table 4):

TABLE 4 Composition of the dispersion of microgel, PBI and solventMaterial Wt % Formulation in g PBI solution (16%) 33.33 200 DMAc 54.17325 Microgel 12.5 75 (OBR 1294-1, OBR 1297-1 or OBR 1290-4 according toTable 5)) Total 100 600

The following starting materials in the indicated proportions by weightwere used for production of the microgels OBR 1294-1, OBR 1297-1 and1290-4 listed in Tables 5) and 6). The microgels were produced asdescribed in the foregoing in Example 1.

TABLE 5 Formulations for production of the microgels OBR 1294-1 and OBR1297-1, OBR 1290-4 Microgel Styrene TMPTMA NaSS NaVS Na₂VP OBR [wt %][wt %] [wt %] [wt %] [wt %] 1294-1 93.5 1.5 5 — — 1297-1 88.5 1.5 — — 101290-4 88.5 1.5 — 10 — Explanations: Styrene (98%) of KMF Labor HandelsGmbH, TMPTMA: Trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (90%) of Aldrich;Product number: 24684-0, NaSS: Na styrenesulfonate (90%) of Fluka;Product number: 94094, NaVS: Na vinylsulfonate; 30% aqueous solution ofFluka; Product number: 95061, Na₂VP: Sodium salt of vinylphosphonic acidH₂VP (95%) of Fluka; Product number: 95014. Na₂VP is obtained from H₂VPby neutralization in situ with 2 equivalents of NaOH.

The characteristic data of the gels are summarized in Table 6).

TABLE 6 Properties of OBR 1284-1, OBR 1297-1 and OBR 1290-4 Analyticaldata Sulfuric or Gel content/ Width of phosphoric acid Microgel T_(g)/°C. wt % QI ΔT_(g)/° C. content/% OBR 1294-1 112 99.6 9.2 8.0 0.70% S OBR1297-1 112 100 6.5 6.0 0.24% P OBR 1290-4 111 82.5 9.8 7.6 0.30% SExplanations: T_(g) = glass transition temperature QI = swelling index

The inventive microgel dispersions according to Table 4) were producedby adding 75 g (corresponding to 12.5 wt % according to Table 4)) ofmicrogel to 200 g of 16 percent by weight of PBI solution while stirringby means of a propeller stirrer. Part of the 325 g of dimethylacetamideaccording to Table 4) was also added if needed for the viscosity of thepropeller stirring process.

Thereafter the remaining amount of the 325 g of dimethylacetamide wasadded. The mixture was allowed to stand for 24 h at room temperature andthen further processed with a high-pressure homogenizer (type APV 1000or APV 2000 of APV Deutschland GmbH (invensys)). The mixture accordingto Table 4) was introduced into the homogenizer at room temperature andpassed through the homogenizer six times at 900 to 1000 bar. Up to 5 barwas needed for transport of the mixture through the homogenizer. Theprocessing temperature was between 40° C. and 70° C.

Example 3 Production of a Membrane Casting Solution with Microgel 1297-1

50 g of a dispersion of microgel 1297-1, PBI and dimethylacetamideaccording to Table 4) were introduced into 310 g of a 19.1 percent byweight PBI solution in DMAc with stirring. The PBI solid content in thesolution was lowered to 15 percent by weight by addition of 55 g ofdimethylacetamide (DMAc). The solution was intimately mixed for 0.5 to 1h at room temperature by means of a PTFE half-moon stirring shaft.Thereafter it was degassed for 1 h at room temperature and 30 mbar.Table 7) lists the compositions of the alternative casting solutionsused for membrane production.

TABLE 7 Casting solution components for membrane production Amount ofAmount of PBI solid Amount of Microgel microgel PBI solution content inoptionally added type dispersion in DMAc DMAc solution DMAc 1290-4  50 g300 g 19.2% 60 g 1297-1  50 g 310 g 19.1% 55 g 1297-1 150 g 250 g 19.1%— 1297-1 150 g 150 g 19.1% — 1294-1  40 g 280 g 16.8% 30 g 1294-1  65 g220 g 16.8%  6 g 1294-1 120 g 260 g 16.8% — 1294-1 140 g 160 g 16.8% —

Table 8) lists the physical properties of the casting solutions producedaccording to Example 3 and Table 7):

TABLE 8 Physical properties of the casting solutions Viscosity Microgel(room Thickness Microgel type proportion* temperature) PBI content ofwet layer 1290-4 10%  3300 mPas 15.0% 300 μm 1297-1 10%  5000 mPas 15.0%300 μm 1297-1 30%  7900 mPas 14.0% 300 μm 1297-1 50%  6800 mPas 12.5%300 μm 1294-1 10% 10400 mPas 14.5% 340 μm 1294-1 20% 13800 mPas 14.5%340 μm 1294-1 30% 13400 mPas 14.0% 340 μm 1294-1 50% 10800 mPas 12.6%340 μm *Microgel content in wt % relative to the polybenzimidazolecontent in % according to Table 8). For a PBI content of 15%, a microgelproportion of 10% corresponds to a proportion by weight of 1.5% microgelin the casting solution.

Example 4 Production of Inventive Polymer Membranes with PolymerParticles Containing Ionogenic Groups

By means of a pilot-plant drawing machine, the casting solutionsproduced according to Example 3 and Table 7) were applied in layerthicknesses of between 300 and 340 μm on a polyester film, and were thendried at 65° C. The membrane was stripped from the backing film and thenpost-dried for 4 h at 250° C. A polymer membrane devoid of any microgelsas precursors for particles containing ionogenic groups was produced asa comparison example by the same method.

Example 5 Tensile Stress Measurements

The mechanical stability of the polymer membranes was evaluated bytensile stress measurements. Membrane samples having a length of 10 cmand a width of 2 cm were clamped in a Z 2.5 measuring machine of ZwickGmbH & Co. and subjected at room temperature to a tensile stress test ata rate of 5 mm/min. An undoped polymer membrane (10% OBR 1294-1*)produced according to Example 4 had a modulus of elasticity ofapproximately 4700 N/mm² and higher. In contrast to the pure PBI polymermembrane without polymer particles containing ionogenic groups, it toreat tensile stresses of 125 N/mm² and an elongation of 4 to 5%. Theresults are summarized in Table 9).

TABLE 9 Tensile stress measurements on polymer membranes Max. Modulus oftensile strength Elongation elasticity PBI without microgel 142 N/mm² 5%5500 N/mm² 10% OBR 1294-1* 125 N/mm² 5% 4700 N/mm² 20% OBR 1294-1* 117N/mm² 4% 4700 N/mm² 30% OBR 1294-1* 113 N/mm² 4% 4700 N/mm² 50% OBR1294-1*  65 N/mm² 2% 4000 N/mm² *Microgel content in wt % relative tothe polybenzimidazole content in % according to Table 8)

Example 6 Doping with Phosphoric Acid

To evaluate the uptake capacity for the doping agent, membrane samplesmeasuring 11.8 cm×13.5 cm were placed in 85 percent by weight phosphoricacid at 130° C. for 30 minutes. The adhering phosphoric acid was thenwiped off and the weight gain was determined gravimetrically accordingto the following formula (see Table 10).

(Doped weight−starting weight)/doped weight×100=degree of doping [%]

Example 7 Measurement of the Proton Conductivity

To evaluate the proton conductivity, doped and undoped polymer membraneswere cut into pieces measuring 4.5 cm×2 cm and the mean thickness wasdetermined by measurement at three points at least, after which theywere mounted in a measuring cell. The measuring cell was composed offour electrodes, and the resistance was determined by means of impedancespectroscopy at room temperature with exclusion of atmospheric humidity.Compared with a pure PBI membrane devoid of polymer particles containingionogenic groups, inventive polymer membranes had a conductivity of 2.5S/m at room temperature after doping. In the undoped condition, polymermembranes having different contents of polymer particles containingionogenic groups exhibit only very low proton conductivity.

TABLE 10 Conductivity measurement with phosphoric acid-doped membranesDegree of doping with Polymer membrane H₃PO₄ σ (room temperature) PurePBI 81 wt % 3.2 S/m Pure PBI undoped (0 wt %) <10⁻⁶ S/m 10% OBR 1290-4*87 wt % 4.0 S/m 10% OBR 1297-1* 86 wt % 4.4 S/m 10% OBR 1297-1* undoped(0 wt %) 4 × 10⁻⁴ S/m 30% OBR 1297-1* 86 wt % 3.5 S/m 30% OBR 1297-1*undoped (0 wt %) 3 × 10⁻⁴ S/m 50% OBR 1297-1* 89 wt % 3.6 S/m 50% OBR1297-1* undoped (0 wt %) 2 × 10⁻⁴ S/m 10% OBR 1294-1* 82 wt % 3.7 S/m20% OBR 1294-1* 84 wt % 3.9 S/m 30% OBR 1294-1* 79 wt % 3.1 S/m 50% OBR1294-1* 78 wt % 2.6 S/m *Microgel content in wt % relative to the PBIcontent in % according to Table 8)

Example 8 Measurement of the Dynamic Mechanical Properties

Dynamic mechanical analyses (DMA) on undoped membranes were carried outwith a DMA 242 C of the Netsch Gerätebau Co. The measurements were madein tension mode with the following measurement parameters: temperaturerange −50 to 480° C., heating rate 3 K/min, frequency 1 Hz,proportionality factor 1.1, maximum dynamic force 7.1 N, additionalstatic preload 0 N, amplitude 40 μm. The glass transition temperaturewas determined on the basis of the maxima of the tan δ curves. Table 11)and FIG. 1 present the results of the measurements.

Microgel OBR-1297-1 was used as precursor for production of polymerparticles containing ionogenic groups in PBI polymer.

The glass transition temperature determined for pure PBI devoid ofpolymer particles containing ionogenic groups was 420° C. At thistemperature, the free volume within the polymer reached a value thatcaused large parts of the polymer chains to have mobility and allowedthe material properties of the polymer to change from the hard glasscondition to the rubber condition. The presence of polymer particlescontaining ionogenic groups in weight proportions of 10 and 30 percentby weight in the PBI matrix led to lowering of the glass transitiontemperature to 340 or 295° C. due to the plasticizing effect of thepolymer particles. In contrast, a proportion of higher than 50 percentby weight of polymer particles did not lead to any further lowering ofthe glass transition temperature for the PBI matrix polymer, although at50 percent by weight a pronounced glass transition of the material frompolymer particles containing ionogenic groups was evident at atemperature of 89° C. A possible interpretation of this phenomenon isthat the percolation limit of the polymer particles containing ionogenicgroups is exceeded when the proportion is higher than 50 percent byweight, and so a continuous phase of mutually touching polymer particlesforms, whereas when the proportion of polymer particles containingionogenic groups is lower than 50 percent by weight (especially lowerthan 40 wt %), these particles are embedded in the PBI matrix in acondition isolated from one another.

TABLE 11 DMA measurements on inventive polymer membranes Polymerparticles containing Polymer ionogenic groups PBI matrix membrane T_(g)[° C.] T_(g) [° C.] Only PBI — 420° C. 10% OBR 1297-1* — 340° C. 30% OBR1297-1* — 295° C. 50% OBR 1297-1* 89° C. 295° C. *Microgel content in wt% relative to the polybenzimidazole content in % according to Table 8)

Example 9 Production of a Fuel Cell

The membranes produced according to Example 4 were cut into squarepieces measuring 104 cm² and combined with commercially available ELATelectrodes of the E-TEK Co., each loaded with 2.0 mg/cm² Pt, measuring50 cm² and impregnated with 0.68 g phosphoric acid. Themembrane-electrode sandwich was pressed between plane-parallel platesfor 4 h at 160° C. and 50 bar to form membrane-electrode units. Themembrane-electrode units obtained in this way were mounted in a standardarrangement in the test fuel cell of Fuel Cell Technologies, Inc. andsealed with a contact pressure of 15 bar.

Example 10 Determination of the Performance Parameters of the Fuel Cells

The cells according to Example 9 were connected to a standard commercialfuel-cell test bench FCATS Advanced Screener of Hydrogenics Inc. andtested in operating condition at 160° C. and 3 bar (absolute). Table 12)summarizes the performance parameters achieved with dry gases.

TABLE 12 Performance parameters P at 0.6 V [W/cm²]/ H₂/air gas H₂permeation (U₀ [V]) at 160° C., flow, mL/ in 3 bar min (STP)air/nitrogen Pure PBI 0.28 W/cm² (0.79 V) 914/2900 3000/3000 ppm 10% OBR1294-1 0.24 W/cm² (0.98 V) 783/2486    0/0 ppm  0% OBR 1294-1 0.31 W/cm²(1.02 V) 783/2486    0/0 ppm 0.30 W/cm² (1.03 V) 914/2900 30% OBR 1294-10.34 W/cm² (1.01 V) 914/2900    0/0 ppm 50% OBR 1294-1 0.29 W/cm² (1.00V) 783/2486  10/3000 ppm 10% OBR 1290-1 0.36 W/cm² (1.05 V) 1044/3314    0/0 ppm Explanations: P at 0.6 V: power at a voltage of 0.6 volt U₀:open-circuit voltage without collection of current

Example 11 Determination of the Long-Term Stability of the Fuel Cells

The cell according to Example 9, equipped with a polymer electrolytemembrane containing polymer particles based on OBR 1290-4 (10% relativeto the PBI matrix), was connected to a standard commercial fuel-celltest bench FCATS Advanced Screener of Hydrogenics Inc. and tested inoperating condition at 160° C. and 3 bar absolute. FIG. 2 illustratesthe development of voltage versus time at the 0.5 A/cm² operating pointand summarizes the performance parameters achieved with dry gases. Drygases having a gas flow of 261 mL/min (at STP) for hydrogen and a gasflow of 829 mL/min (at STP) for air were used. Over an operating time of1100 h, a membrane-electrode unit based on microgel OBR 1290-4 exhibiteda voltage drop of 48 μV/h. A membrane-electrode unit based on pure PBI,wherein the polymer electrolyte membrane was devoid of polymer particlescontaining ionogenic groups, exhibited an open-circuit voltage of 0.8 Vunder currentless condition from the very beginning of operation andtherefore was not suitable for long-term operation.

We claim:
 1. A method for production of a polymer electrolyte membranefor high temperature fuel cells in a temperature range up toapproximately 200° C., the polymer electrolyte membrane comprising apolymer matrix, wherein the polymer matrix comprises at least one basicpolymer, one or more doping agents, and particles containing ionogenicgroups and having a mean particle diameter in the nanometer range,wherein said particles are embedded in the polymer matrix and aredistributed homogeneously in the polymer matrix in a concentration ofless than 50% relative to the weight of the polymer matrix, the methodcomprising: (a) producing a membrane casting solution, at leastcomprising a solvent, at least one matrix-forming basic polymer andparticles containing ionogenic groups, (b) casting the membrane castingsolution in the form of a membrane and (c) removing the solvent.
 2. Amethod according to claim 1, wherein the membrane is doped after step c)with at least one doping agent in a further step d).
 3. A methodaccording to claim 2, wherein the doping agent with which the membraneis doped in step d) is selected from the group comprising phosphoricacid, phosphoric acid derivatives, phosphonic acid, phosphonic acidderivatives, sulfuric acid, sulfuric acid derivatives, sulfonic acid,sulfonic acid derivatives or a combination of two or more thereof.
 4. Amethod according to claim 3, wherein solvent is selected from the groupcomprising N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and any desired mixturesthereof.
 5. A method according to claim 3, wherein removal of thesolvent is achieved by heating the cast membrane casting solution and/orby applying a vacuum.